Hello Democrats. Your local Democratic Party has a place for you! Whether you are a woman, a young voter, passionate about voter registration or ready to join or lead a team, this week's newsletter is brimming with opportunities to actively participate in shaping our democracy during this crucial election year. Additionally, tickets for our March 16 Blue Wave Bash at Bent Pine Country Club are still available. Join us for a memorable event and let's make a difference together! See you there!
When women show up, we win. Women for Biden-Harris is all about engaging and mobilizing women volunteers across the country -- and highlighting the choice in this election on the issues that we care about. What happens when you sign up? You'll receive the latest news about what Women for Biden-Harris is up to, get exclusive invites to calls with top campaign surrogates, and learn about opportunities to mobilize your friends and family through both new and traditional organizing tools. Join here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-up-to-join-women-for-biden
UPDATE On Florida Threat To IVF
“Legally designating a fetus as a person with rights, including the right to life from the moment of conception diminishes the rights of women and mothers, opening the door for further restriction on abortion and reproductive medicines like IVF,” Ms Brook said in a post on X. “Thankfully, it appears personhood will not be the law of the land in our state.”
With just a few weeks remaining in the current legislative period, our State Senator Erin Grall has made the decision to postpone her fetal personhood bill. This move comes amidst mounting pressure on Republicans, sparked by Alabama’s controversial Supreme Court ruling that deemed frozen embryos as potential children.
Entitled "Civil Liability for the Wrongful Death of an Unborn Child," the bill aimed to provide parents with financial restitution under specific circumstances following the death of a fetus. However, on Monday, state senators opted to halt the progress of Senate Bill 476.
Concerns regarding the implications of passing the bill have been growing louder. The proposal would have established a fetus as a person from the moment of conception, potentially endangering doctors and individuals assisting in abortions, as well as impacting fertility treatments.
This definition has been the subject of considerable discussion in recent weeks, particularly in the wake of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling, which embraced a similar stance and resulted in the suspension of IVF treatments in that state.
Lauren Book, leader of the Florida State Democratic Party, warned that IVF procedures could be jeopardized if the bill were to pass.
"Legally recognizing a fetus as a person with inherent rights, including the right to life from conception, would undermine the rights of women and mothers, potentially paving the way for further restrictions on abortion and reproductive technologies such as IVF," Ms. Book stated in a post on X. "Fortunately, it seems that personhood legislation will not be enacted in our state."
Book Ban Backstep?
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo is backing efforts to limit book challenges in Florida's public schools, suggesting that recent challenges have gone too far. The move that could reduce the number of book bans comes amid sweeping book challenges that have disrupted Florida school districts. Between July 2022 and June 2023, PEN America, the international writers’ group, reported that Florida accounted for 1,406 or 40% of book removals in the country.
Proposed legislation includes a $100 processing fee for subsequent challenges, intended to deter frivolous objections. Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared supportive of the move to penalize frivolous book challenges during a press conference on Feb. 15. At the same time, he called the notion that Florida was banning books a hoax.
Young Dems UPDATE
Last week, the Young dems of Indian River launched their county-wide texting campaign to engage Millenial and Gen Z voters. The Young Dems are in the process of planning their first meeting to empower young voters and turn Indian River County blue. There's still time for all motivated democrats ages 16-39 to sign up. This is your opportunity to make the changes you want to see in our community.
Please complete the form below if you’re interested in becoming a member. Once a date is established, you will be contacted with an official invite.
Indian River Rep. Robert Brackett wants to allow 18-year-olds to purchase AR-15s and other assault rifles. Brackett's support for House Bill 1223, which would permit under-21s to own long guns, is particularly concerning given the context of the Parkland massacre.
Don't miss out on Editorial Team Leader, Fred Grumman's eye-opening op-ed shedding light on the critical lack of consistent thinking among our state legislators when it comes to gun safety. It's time to challenge their flawed priorities and demand action to protect lives. Read the full TCPalm article HERE.
If you are passionate about contributing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-eds on crucial issues within our community and would like to join our Editorial Team, please complete this volunteer form.
Seeking Social Media Intern
Join Our Team: Democrats of Indian River Seek Social Media Intern for 2024 Election Year
Are you passionate about politics and skilled in crafting engaging social media content to drive online engagement? If so, we want you to join our team! As we gear up for the 2024 election year, we're on the lookout for a talented and dedicated Social Media Intern to help us spread our message, engage with voters, and amplify our impact online. This is a part-time, paid internship opportunity. To apply for the Social Media Intern position, please send your resume to [email protected].
Qualifications:
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in social media platforms and management tools
Creative thinking and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Commitment to progressive values and principles
Seeking Committee Leaders
Democrats of Indian River is currently seeking to strengthen our committees that interact with the community and participate in local government meetings. We are searching for individuals to spearhead the following teams:
Get Out The Vote (phone/text banking)
Poll Watching
Vero Beach City Council
Sebastian City Council
Fellsmere City Council
Indian River County Commission
Indian River Neighborhood Association
If you're interested in learning more about any of these positions, please contact the Democrats of Indian River office at 772-226-5267.
Secure Your Spot
Get ready for an event you won't want to miss! Mark your calendars for the Blue Wave Bash, set to take place on Saturday, March 16th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join us at the Bent Pine Country Club for an evening filled with excitement, featuring a wine pairing dinner, silent auction, and a special guest speaker, David Jolly. As a Former Republican turned MSNBC and CNN Political Analyst, Jolly offers a unique perspective and valuable insights into today's political landscape.
To ensure your spot at the Blue Wave Bash, we encourage you to confirm your attendance early! Tickets are priced at $250 per person.
We need your help to make sure Dan McDow gets on the ballot!
Swing by the Indian River Democrats headquarters at 2345 14th Ave. in Vero Beach and sign a petition for Dan McDow.
Petitions can be conveniently dropped off or signed in person at our office located at 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, in Vero Beach.
Time to UPDATE Your VBM Request
Is your Vote-By-Mail ballot request up to date? Signing up only takes a few minutes so be sure to take a moment to verify that your Vote-By-Mail registration has not been deleted!
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE
Steering Meeting Thursday, March 20, 2024 5:00 p.m. ZOOM Meeting
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting Thursday, March 28, 2024 6:00 p.m. Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
NEW Voter Registration Team Meeting Monday, March 4, 2024 11:30 a.m. Democrats of Indian River Office
Our voter registration team leaders are eager to meet you! Pop into the office Monday at 11:30 a.m. to learn how you can join the team and register voters across Indian River County. Our team leaders will be available to answer any questions and help you get started.
The Democratic Club of Indian River will be holding elections in March for its officers and directors. The chair of the nominating committee must also be appointed to help fill any openings.
The Club is especially important this presidential election year since its members compose a majority of our volunteers who register voters and get the vote out.
If you are interested in running for an officer or director position or to serve as nominating committee chair, please contact Clay Wild at [email protected].
Board Meeting Tuesday, March 12, 2024 6:00 p.m. ZOOM
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting Wednesday, March 13, 2024 6:00 p.m. BigShots Golf 3456 US-1, Vero Beach, FL
Join our club or pay dues HERE.
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE.
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Saturday March 9, 2024 11:30 a.m. 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967
The speaker is Dan McDow, Candidate for Congress, Florida District 8
Non member guests are invited to attend. The cost is $35, payable at the door bycash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday March 6th to [email protected] and include your meal choice: Chicken Piccata in caper lemon sauce with asparagus, Shrimp Scampi with wilted spinach over Parmesan Risotto or Vegetarian Plate.
Valet parking will be limited to arrival from 11:15 until noon & departure from 1:30 to 2:15. If you would like to bring a non perishable food item to the luncheon to support our Treasure Coast Community Fridges it is optional, but much appreciated.
DWC Book Group Meeting Friday March 22, 2024 2 - 4 p.m. Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus
We will discuss, "A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot To Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them"
By: Timothy Egan (2023)
